Method for removing moisture from a container

ABSTRACT

A system for microbially deactivating articles, such as medical, dental, veterinary and mortuary instruments and devices. The system includes vibration means for producing ultrasonic waves to facilitate drying after the completion of a liquid microbial deactivation process.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.11/749,326, filed May 16, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,420,016.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to disinfection or deactivationof articles, such as medical, dental, pharmaceutical, veterinary ormortuary instruments and devices, and more particularly, to a microbialdeactivation system having means for ultrasonic drying following achemical microbial deactivation process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Medical, dental, pharmaceutical, veterinary or mortuary instruments areroutinely exposed to blood or other body fluids during variousprocedures. Following such procedures, a thorough cleaning and microbialdeactivation of the instruments is required before subsequent use.Liquid microbial deactivation systems are now widely used to clean anddeactivate instruments that cannot withstand the high temperature of asteam deactivation system. Liquid microbial deactivation systemstypically operate by exposing the instruments to a liquid disinfectantor a deactivation composition, such as peracetic acid or some otherstrong oxidant. In such systems, the instruments to be cleaned aretypically placed within a deactivation chamber of the deactivationsystem, or in a container that is placed within the deactivationchamber. During a deactivation cycle, a liquid disinfectant is thencirculated through the deactivation chamber (and the container therein).

In order to maintain sterility of the instruments outside thedeactivation system during storage, the instruments must be driedfollowing completion of the deactivation cycle, thereby removingresidual moisture from the instruments. The implementation of a separate“drying cycle” in the deactivation system significantly increases totalprocessing time. Moreover, the liquid microbial deactivation system isunavailable for treatment of another load of instruments during the“drying cycle.” Use of a separate drying device independent of thedeactivation system also results in several problems. First, it may bedifficult to maintain sterility while transferring instruments from thedeactivation device to the drying device. The use of a separate dryingdevice also requires additional expense to purchase the drying device,and additional space at the point of use.

The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art byproviding a method and apparatus for ultrasonically drying articles in aliquid microbial deactivation system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an apparatus for microbial deactivation of articles, theapparatus comprising: (a) a deactivation chamber dimensioned to receivea container enclosing at least one article to undergo microbialdeactivation; (b) vibration means imparting vibrations to saidcontainer; (c) a fluid circulation system for circulating fluids throughsaid deactivation chamber and inside said container; and (d) controlmeans for controlling operation of said apparatus, wherein said controlmeans activates said vibration means to produce vibrations having anultrasonic frequency.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an apparatus for microbial deactivation of articles, theapparatus comprising: a deactivation chamber dimensioned to receive acontainer enclosing at least one article to undergo microbialdeactivation, said container including first vibration means forimparting vibrations to said container; a fluid circulation system forcirculating fluids through said deactivation chamber and inside saidcontainer; and control means for controlling operation of saidapparatus, wherein said control means activates said vibration means toproduce vibrations having an ultrasonic frequency.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a method for removing moisture from inside an enclosedcontainer following a liquid microbial deactivation process, said methodcomprising the steps of: (a) circulating dry air through the container;and (b) vibrating said container using vibration means that producevibrations having an ultrasonic frequency.

One advantage of the present invention is the provision of a method andan apparatus for reducing drying time following a liquid microbialdeactivation process.

Another advantage of the present invention is the provision of a methodand apparatus for facilitating a drying process through the productionof vibrations having an ultrasonic frequency.

These and other advantages will become apparent from the followingdescription of an embodiment of the present invention taken togetherwith the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement ofparts, an embodiment of which will be described in detail in thespecification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form apart hereof, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automated reprocessor for microbiallydeactivating medical instruments, the reprocessor including anultrasonic drying system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the reprocessor of FIG. 1, showing amovable drawer in an opened position and an instrument container removedtherefrom, and also showing an access panel to a chemistry deliverysystem in an opened position and a chemistry container removertherefrom;

FIG. 3 is a partial schematic diagram of the reprocessor shown in FIG.1, including a portion of the fluid circulation system; and

FIG. 4 is a partial schematic diagram of the reprocessor shown in FIG.1, showing the movable drawer in the opened position and the instrumentcontainer removed therefrom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purposeof illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only, and notfor the purpose of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows an apparatus 10 formicrobially deactivating articles, such as medical instruments anddevices. It should be appreciated that while the present invention isillustrated as an integral part of apparatus 10, the illustratedapparatus is only exemplary of the type of apparatus into which thepresent invention may be integrated. In this regard, it is contemplatedthat the present invention may be used in connection with othermicrobial deactivation apparatus to facilitate drying following a liquidmicrobial deactivation process.

Apparatus 10 is designed to rest upon a table or countertop 12, asillustrated in FIG. 1. Countertop 12 in and of itself forms no part ofthe present invention. Apparatus 10 includes a housing structure 22containing the operative components of apparatus 10. Housing structure22 has an upper surface 24 that slopes generally downward toward a frontface 26. Front face 26 has an upper section 26 a and a lower section 26b. Upper section 26 a includes a display panel 28.

A small, rectangular access panel 22 a is formed in housing structure22. In the embodiment shown, access panel 22 a is formed to the rightside of display panel 28 in a recess formed in housing structure 22.Access panel 22 a is movable between a closed position, shown in FIG. 1,and an opened position, shown in FIG. 2. In its opened position, accesspanel 22 a allows access to a chemistry-delivery system 400.

Referring now to FIG. 2, chemistry-delivery system 400 is comprised of achemistry housing 470 and a movable lid 420 that attaches to chemistryhousing 470. Chemistry housing 470 of chemistry-delivery system 400includes two separate compartments 482, 484. Compartment 482 isdimensioned to receive chemistry-holding device 430 that contains achemical reagent. Compartment 484 is dimensioned to receive a containerthat contains builder material to react with the chemical reagent inreceptacle 482, thereby creating a microbial deactivation fluid (e.g., aperacetic acid solution). Lid 420 is designed to isolate the respectivecompartments 482, 484 when in a closed position.

A drawer assembly 600 includes a front face panel 634 that is coplanarwith lower section 26 b of front face 26 when drawer assembly 600 is ina closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 1. A drawer actuation button636 is provided on front panel 634 of drawer assembly 600. Drawerassembly 600 is movable from a closed position, as shown in FIG. 1, toan opened position, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Drawer assembly 600 alsoincludes a drawer tray 622 having a generally planar upper surface. Arecessed cavity 624 is formed in tray 622, as illustrated in FIG. 2.Cavity 624 is dimensioned to receive a container 800 that enclosesarticles, such as medical instruments and devices. Container 800 isprovided to receive the articles (e.g., medical instruments and/ordevices) to be deactivated. Container 800 is dimensioned to be receivedwithin cavity 624. Drawer assembly 600 and container 800 are describedin further detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a partial schematic diagram of apparatus 10 isshown. A more detailed schematic diagram is shown in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/714,046, filed Mar. 5, 2007, and fullyincorporated herein by reference. As schematically illustrated; drawerassembly 600 includes a drive assembly 650, including a rack 658 and apinion gear 656. Rack 658 is connected to drawer assembly 600 and ismovable by pinion gear 656 that is driven by a motor 652. In FIG. 3,container 800 is shown disposed within cavity 624 defined by drawer tray622. When drawer assembly 600 is in the closed position, as shown inFIG. 3, drawer tray 622 is disposed beneath plate 642. A static sealelement 644 is disposed on the bottom side of plate 642 for contact withthe planar portion of drawer tray 622. In this respect, static seal 644is generally continuous about the periphery of cavity 624 in the drawertray 622. An air-inflatable bladder 646 is provided on the top side ofplate 642 to force plate 642 and static seal 644 into sealing engagementwith the planar portion of drawer tray 622. Inflatable bladder 646 isdisposed between the upper surface of plate 642 and housing structure 22to force plate 642 into sealing engagement with drawer tray 622. An airline 648 fluidly connects inflatable bladder 646 with a source of air.

As schematically illustrated in FIG. 3, when container 800 is disposedwithin cavity 624 in drawer tray 622, container 800 is connected to afirst fluid inlet line 124, a second fluid inlet line 126 and a returnline 162 of a fluid circulation system 100. For the purpose ofillustrating the present invention, only a portion of fluid circulationsystem 100 is shown in FIG. 3. Container 800 is also in communicationwith an air line 826 for inflating a seal 824 disposed between a tray812 and a lid 912 of container 800.

To enable drawer assembly 600 and drawer tray 622 to move into and outof housing structure 22 of apparatus 10, fluid inlet lines 124, 126 andthe return line 162 attached to drawer tray 622 are attachable anddetachable to fluid circulation system 100 by means of a connectorassembly 660.

When drawer assembly 600 is in a closed position and inflatable bladder646 is activated to force static seal 644 into contact with the planarportion of drawer tray 622, a deactivation chamber is formed withinapparatus 10, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 3. Fluid circulationsystem 100 provides microbial deactivation fluid to the deactivationchamber and is further operable to circulate the microbial deactivationfluid through the deactivation chamber, through container 800 andthrough instruments contained within container 800.

Fluids (e.g., water or a liquid microbial deactivation fluid) aresupplied to container 800 and the deactivation chamber by first fluidinlet line 124 and second fluid inlet line 126. First fluid inlet line124 includes a first branch section 124 a that extends through the platein drawer assembly 600 to communicate with cavity 624 defined by drawertray 622. First branch section 124 a is connected to spray nozzles 653disposed on the lower, inner surface of plate 642. First fluid inletline 124 also includes a second branch section 124 b that is incommunication with cavity 624. Second branch section 124 b is connectedto spray nozzles 655 disposed on the upper, inner surface of drawer tray622.

A drain line (not shown) is also connected to first fluid inlet line124. A valve (not shown) is disposed within the drain line to controlthe flow of fluid therethrough.

An air line 152 is connected to second fluid inlet line 126, asillustrated in FIG. 3. Air line 152 is connected to a source of dry air.A filter 154 is disposed within air line 152. A directional valve 156 isdisposed within air line 152. Directional valve 156 is arranged to allowair to be forced into second fluid inlet line 126, but to prevent wateror fluids within second fluid inlet line 126 from flowing toward thesource of air.

Return line 162 is connected at a first end to connector assembly 660.The second end of return line 162 connects with a drain (not shown). Thesecond end of return line 162 also connects with a recirculation line(not shown) that is connected with fluid inlet lines 124, 126. A valve(not shown) is disposed within return line 162 to control the flow offluid therethrough.

A chemistry inlet line (not shown) connects chemistry-delivery system400 to first fluid inlet line 124.

Referring now to drawer assembly 600 shown in FIG. 3, an overflow line292 is connected to the inner plate so as to communicate with thedeactivation chamber. The other end of overflow line 292 is connected toa drain source. A check valve 293 is disposed within overflow line 292to allow the flow of fluid out of the deactivation chamber, but torestrict the flow of any fluid into the deactivation chamber throughoverflow line 292. A proximity sensor 294 is disposed within overflowline 292 downstream from directional check valve 293 to indicate whenfluid is flowing therethrough. A make-up air line 296 is also connectedto the deactivation chamber, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 3. Afilter element 297 is disposed within make-up air line 296 to filter anyair flowing into the deactivation chamber. In this respect, adirectional check valve 298 is disposed within make-up air line 296between filter element 297 and the deactivation chamber. Directionalcheck valve 298 allows the flow of air into the deactivation chamber,but restricts the flow of air or fluid out of the deactivation chamber.

Drawer assembly 600 will now be described in further detail withreference to FIGS. 2-4. Drawer assembly 600 includes two spaced-apartside panels 612. Each side panel 612 has a drawer slide 614 associatedtherewith. Drawer slide 614 has a first section 614 a attached tohousing structure 22 and a second section 614 b attached to a side panel612. Each side panel 612 has an inwardly extending flange 616 at theupper end thereof. Drawer tray 622 is dimensioned to rest uponinward-extending flanges 616. Drawer tray 622 is generally comprised ofa flat panel having cavity 624 formed therein. Cavity 624 has apredetermined contour dimensioned to receive container 800. A ledge 626is formed about the peripheral edge of cavity 624 to receive container800. Drawer tray 622 is attached to inwardly extending flanges 616 ofside panels 612 by conventional fasteners 628. Drawer tray 622 has aflat upper surface 632 that surrounds cavity 624. Front face panel 634,best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, is attached to side panels 612. Controlbutton 636, for controlling movement of drawer assembly 600, is mountedto front panel 634.

As shown in FIG. 3, a drawer sealing assembly 640 is disposed abovedrawer tray 622. Drawer sealing assembly 640 includes plate 642 that isdisposed above drawer tray 622. The dimensions of plate 642 generallycorrespond to the dimensions of drawer tray 622. Static seal 644 isdisposed on the lower surface of plate 642. Static seal 644 is disposedabout the periphery of cavity 624 in drawer tray 622, so as to engageflat upper surface 632 of drawer tray 622. As indicated above,inflatable bladder 646 is disposed between plate 642 and housingstructure 22. An air line 648 is connected to bladder 646 to inflate anddeflate the same. When inflated, air bladder 646 is operable to forceplate 642 downward toward drawer tray 622, wherein static seal 644engages upper surface 632 of drawer tray 622 to form a seal about cavity624 formed therein. When plate 642 is sealed against surface 632 ofdrawer tray 622, cavity 624 within drawer tray 622 defines a sealeddeactivation chamber.

Overflow line 292 and make-up air line 296 are attached to plate 642 andextend therethrough. In this respect, when plate 642 is in a sealingposition against drawer tray 622, overflow line 292 and make-up air line296 are in communication with the deactivation chamber defined betweenplate 642 and drawer tray 622.

Connector assembly 660 is provided to allow the lines from fluidcirculation system 100 to be connected to, and disconnected from, drawerassembly 600, so as to allow the opening and closing of drawer tray 622.Connector assembly 660 is comprised of a manifold section (not shown)that is mountable to drawer tray 622 and is movable therewith, and aplaten section (not shown), that is movable into and out of engagementwith the manifold section.

Inserts 692A, 692B, 692C, are disposed in drawer tray 622, as best seenin FIG. 4. In the embodiment shown, insert 692A is a drain insert andinserts 692B, 692C, are connector inserts. Each insert 692A, 692B, 692Cis a tubular structure having a closed lower end and an opened upperend.

In accordance with the present invention, one or more vibration meansare located within the deactivation chamber defined by plate 642 anddrawer tray 622. In the illustrated embodiment, the vibration means takethe form of a device that vibrates at an ultrasonic frequency. By way ofexample, and not limitation, the vibration means takes the form of apiezoelectric transducer (PET). Other contemplated vibration meansinclude, but are not limited to, magnetic coil actuators, pneumaticallyor hydraulically driven actuators, magneto-restrictive or capacitiveactuators, and the like. An embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to a vibration means in the form of a PET.

As well known, piezoelectric transducers include piezoelectric crystalsthat convert electrical energy into vibrational mechanical energy. Whenpiezoelectric crystals are subjected to an externally applied voltage,the crystals change shape by a small amount. As a result, piezoelectrictransducers can convert ultrasonic frequency voltages to ultrasonicwaves or vibrations. In accordance with the present invention, theultrasonic vibrations produced by piezoelectric transducers aretransferred to the residual liquid water droplets and films withincontainer 800 to facilitate drying. The ultrasonic vibrations promoteuniform dispersion of residual liquid water, thereby increasing thesurface area of the same. Dispersion of the residual liquid water inthis manner facilitates a phase change of the residual water to a vapor.The ultrasonic vibrations produced by piezoelectric transducers alsofacilitate the conversion of liquid water into a fine mist.

In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS.2-4, a first piezoelectric transducer (PET) 312 is located on the upper,inner surface of drawer tray 622, and a second piezoelectric transducer314 is located on the lower, inner surface of plate 642. PETs 312 and314 are dimensioned such that they contact the outer surface ofcontainer 800 when container 800 is sealed within the deactivationchamber. In this regard, PET 312 contacts the lower surface of bottomwall 814 of tray 812 to impart vibrations thereto. Likewise, PET 314contacts the upper surface of lid 912 to impart vibrations thereto. Itshould be understood that the vibration means may have alternativelocations external to container 800, including locations inside andoutside the deactivation chamber.

According to an alternative embodiment of the present inventionvibration means are directly integrated into container 800. In thisregard, container 800 is adapted to include vibration means as acomponent of tray 812 and/or lid 912. For example, vibration means maybe integrated into bottom wall 814 of tray 812. The vibration meansdirectly integrated into container 800 may be substituted for thevibration means located external to container 800 (as described above),or may supplement the vibration means located external to container 800.

A system controller (not shown) is programmed to control the operationof components of apparatus 10. The system controller receives datasignals from devices (e.g., sensors), and transmits control signals todevices, such as motors, valves, vibration means and display units. Thesystem controller may take the form of a microprocessor or amicro-controller.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, container 800 is best seen. Container 800 isgenerally comprised of a tray 812 and a lid 912 that is attachable totray 812. Tray 812 is generally cup-shaped and has a bottom wall 814 anda continuous side wall 816 that extends about the periphery of bottomwall 814 to one side thereof. Bottom wall 814 and side wall 816 define acavity in which articles, such as medical instruments, devices or otheritems to be deactivated, are to be inserted.

The upper edge of side wall 816 is shaped to define a channeldimensioned to receive a continuous, flexible seal 824. In theembodiment shown, seal 824 is an inflatable seal. An air conduit 826,schematically illustrated in FIG. 3, communicates with seal 824 by meansof a fitting (not shown) that is mounted to container 800.

Lid 912 is generally a flat, planar element that is shaped to cover andenclose the opened, upper end of tray 812. Lid 912 includes adownward-extending flange 914 that extends about the periphery of lid912 and is dimensioned to capture the upper edge of side wall 816.

A locking device 922 is provided to secure lid 912 to tray 812. In theembodiment shown, locking device 922 is an elongated, channel-likeelement that is pinned at one end to tray 812. The channel defined inthe locking device 922 is dimensioned to capture the upper edge of tray812 and lid 912.

Apparatus 10 shall now further be described with reference to theoperation thereof. One or more articles to be deactivated, such asmedical, dental, pharmaceutical, veterinary or mortuary instruments ordevices, are loaded into container 800. Container 800 can accommodatenumerous types of medical instruments and devices. Once the articleshave been properly positioned within tray 812, lid 912 is placed overtray 812 and is locked into position, using locking device 922 on tray812. With the articles to be microbially deactivated positioned withincontainer 800, an operator opens drawer assembly 600 of apparatus 10 toallow container 800 to be placed within drawer tray 622.

A deactivation cycle for apparatus 10 includes a number of specificphases (i.e., preparation phase, system-seal phase, fill phase,circulation phase, chemistry-generation phase, exposure phase, and drainphase) that shall now be generally described.

Preparation Phase

During a user-preparation phase, drawer assembly 600 of apparatus 10 ismovable between a closed position shown in FIG. 1 and an open positionshown in FIG. 2 by manual manipulation of control button 636 on frontpanel 634. In preparation for a deactivation cycle, container 800 withthe articles to be deactivated is placed within drawer tray 622 indrawer assembly 600. As illustrated in the drawings, cavity 624 in tray622 and the shape of container 800 are such that container 800 may beplaced within cavity 624 in only one orientation. With container 800placed within drawer tray 622, drawer assembly 600 is moved to a closedposition, using drawer control button 636.

During this user-preparation phase, chemistry-holding device 430 isinserted within the chemistry-delivery system 400. To this end, accesspanel 22 a on housing structure 22 is moved to an open position toexpose lid 420 of chemistry-delivery system 400. Lid 420 is unlatchedand opened to expose compartments 482, 484 in chemistry-delivery system400. Chemistry-holding device 430 is inserted within housing 470.Thereafter, lid 420 is closed and latched.

System-Seal Phase

With container 800 within drawer tray 622 of drawer assembly 600 anddrawer assembly 600 in a closed position, a deactivation cycle may beinitiated. A first phase of the deactivation cycle is a system-sealingphase, wherein air is applied to inflatable bladder 646 above plate 642.Inflating bladder 646 forces static seal 644 on plate 642 down intoengagement with the planar surface of drawer tray 622, thereby forming acomplete seal around cavity 624 in drawer tray 622, and forming asealed, deactivation chamber containing container 800. Bladder 646 ismaintained in an inflated state throughout the deactivation cycle.

Fill Phase

After bladder 646 has sealed container 800 within the deactivationchamber, a fill phase is initiated. Incoming water enters fluidcirculation system 100 and proceeds to fill fluid circulation system100, the deactivation chamber, and container 800.

The incoming water is under pressure from an external source and forceswater into fluid circulation system 100, the deactivation chamber, andcontainer 800. As a result of water entering the apparatus 10, airwithin the system is forced toward overflow line 292 that is preferablydisposed at the highest point of apparatus 10. Directional check valve293 allows air and water to exit the deactivation chamber. The presenceof water flowing through overflow line 292 is sensed by proximity sensor294. Water flowing through drain line 292 is indicative that apparatus10 is filled. The system controller then stops the flow of water intoapparatus 10.

Circulation Phase

Once apparatus 10 is filled with water, the system controller initiatesa circulation phase to circulate water throughout fluid circulationsystem 100. During the circulation phase, water is circulated throughoutfluid circulation system 100, including the deactivation chamber andcontainer 800.

The purpose of the circulation phase is to achieve the proper fluidtemperature to deactivate the articles located in container 800. Atperiods throughout the fill phase and the circulation phase, a heatermay be activated to increase the temperature of the water flowingthroughout the system to maintain a desired fluid temperature.

Chemistry-Generation Phase

Following the circulation phase, water flows through chemistry-deliverysystem 400 to produce a liquid microbial deactivation fluid.

Exposure Phase

During the exposure phase, the microbial deactivation fluid formed inthe chemistry-generation phase is conveyed throughout fluid circulationsystem 100. The microbial deactivation fluid flowing through first andsecond fluid inlet lines 124, 126 flows into the deactivation chamberand into container 800 therein. The deactivation fluid flowing intocontainer 800 is sprayed through spray nozzles around the exterior ofthe articles (e.g., medical instruments and devices) within container800. Deactivation fluid circulates through the deactivation chamberformed by drawer tray 622 and plate 642 and flows out of thedeactivation chamber to return line 162. Similarly, fluid flows out ofcontainer 800 through a return conduit to return line 162. During theexposure phase, deactivation fluid is circulated throughout fluidcirculation system 100 and through the deactivation chamber andcontainer 800 for a predetermined period of time. The circulation timeis sufficient to decontaminate articles within container 800 and todecontaminate the components and fluid conduits of fluid circulationsystem 100.

Drain Phase

After a predetermined exposure period, the system controller initiates adrain phase. The drain phase is comprised basically of two steps. Duringthe drain phase, valves to chemical-delivery system 400 are closed toprevent flow thereto. Valves in the drain lines are opened. Pumpscontinue to operate for a predetermined period of time, forcing thedeactivation fluid in the deactivation chamber and container 800 outthrough the drain lines. At the same time, valves are opened to allowwater to enter the system and flush chemistry-delivery system 400. Waterentering chemistry-delivery system 400 is drained from fluid circulationsystem 100 through a drain line.

After a predetermined period of time sufficient to allow flushing ofchemistry-delivery system 400 and after a period sufficient to allowdraining of most of the fluid from fluid circulation system 100, thepumps are deactivated. Valves are closed to stop the flow of water tochemistry-delivery system 400.

A drying process is commenced by releasing a source of filtered, dry,pressurized air into the chemistry-delivery system 400. The dry airblows the remaining water within chemistry-delivery system 400 outthrough a drain line. Similarly, pressurized, dry air is applied to airline 152 and, thus, is conveyed through the lower portion of fluidcirculation system 100 to blow out remaining fluid within the internalpassages of instruments in container 800. The pressurized, dry air maybe heated to facilitate the drying process. For example, the air may beheated to a temperature in the range of about 25° C. to about 190° C.The preferred heating temperature will be a temperature that does notcause damage to the instruments.

In accordance with the present invention, first piezoelectric transducer(PET) 312 and second piezoelectric transducer (PET) 314 are activated bythe system controller during all or part of the drain phase to produceultrasonic waves. PETs 312 and 314 facilitate the drying process, aswill be described in detail below.

Once the drain phase has been completed, an indication is provided onthe display panel 28 of housing structure 22. At that time, the airpressure to bladder 646 is removed to allow retraction of plate 642 andstatic seal 644 from the surface of drawer tray 622. Drawer assembly 600may then be moved to an open position by pressing drawer-activationbutton 636. With drawer assembly 600 in an open position, container 800can be removed from drawer tray 622. Since the fluid connections are ina closed position when container 800 is removed from drawer tray 622,microbial decontamination of the interior of container 800 is prevented.

As discussed above, PETs 312 and 314 convert voltages to vibrationshaving an ultrasonic frequency. Since PETs 312 and 314 are in contactwith surfaces of container 800, container 800 is ultrasonicallyvibrated. The ultrasonic waves are transferred to liquid water insidecontainer 800, including liquid droplets and films on the articleslocated therein. The ultrasonic waves promote dispersion of residualliquid water and the conversion of dispersed liquid water into a finewater mist. Increased dispersion of residual liquid water contributes tofaster drying due to increased surface area of residual liquid wateravailable for phase change. The dispersion of the liquid water alsofacilitates draining of liquid water from container 800. The fine watermist is more easily removed from container 800 by the dry aircirculating therethrough. As a result of the foregoing, the drying timerequired for removing residual water from container 800 and the articleslocated therein is reduced.

The ultrasonic waves introduced into container 800 by PETs 312, 314 arealso transferred to the air particles inside container 800. Ultrasonicvibration of the air particles facilitates the drying process bycreating pressure waves (i.e., pulsating air). As the ultrasoundpressure increases, molecular vibrations become more intense. As aresult, air particles in the field of the ultrasonic vibrations aredisplaced in harmony with the ultrasonic wave propagation, thus causingacoustic or turbulent flows within the volume of container 800 and nearsurfaces of container 800, thereby enhancing the drying process. Inaddition, ultrasound waves make ambient gas vibrate above the surface ofporous materials, and acoustically create flows that carry moisturemolecules away from the porous material. As a result, moisture removalfrom porous materials is promoted.

The use of ultrasonic waves in combination with a conventional dryingprocesses reduces drying times, thereby allowing an apparatus formicrobial deactivation to complete multiple consecutive microbialdeactivation cycles within a shorter period of time.

In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention,an ultrasonic receiver may also be mounted adjacent to the outer surfaceof container 800 in order to measure the rate of attenuation of theultrasonic wave produced inside container 800 by the vibration means(e.g., PETs 312 and 314). In this regard, attenuation of the ultrasonicwaves inside container 800 may be used to determine whether the dryingprocess has been completed. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, anultrasonic receiver 316 may be located on the lower, inner surface ofplate 642. It is also contemplated that the ultrasonic receiver may belocated on the upper, inner surface of drawer tray 622.

The system controller records a wave profile when the drying process ordrain phase begins. The recorded wave profile is indicative of theultrasonic wave produced inside container 800. Throughout the dryingprocess new wave profiles are periodically recorded by the systemcontroller. Each new wave profile is compared to the previously recordedwave profile. While the water content of container 800 is decreasing,the ultrasonic wave will attenuate. When no further moisture is beingremoved from container 800, no further attenuation of the ultrasonicwave will be observed. Once the system controller determines that thedrying process has been completed, the drying cycle can be terminated bydeactivating the supply of dry air.

Following completion of the drain phase described above, the deactivatedarticles may remain within container 800 and may be stored for futureuse, with the articles in container 800 remaining in a microbiallydeactivated environment. In this respect, container 800 may be insertedinto a compartment of a storage cabinet, wherein connections on thebottom of container 800 engage and mate with connectors to allow dry,filtered air to be circulated into and out of the interior of container800.

The foregoing description is a specific embodiment of the presentinvention. It should be appreciated that this embodiment is describedfor purposes of illustration only, and that numerous alterations andmodifications may be practiced by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intendedthat all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as theycome within the scope of the invention as claimed or the equivalentsthereof.

Having described the invention, the following is claimed:
 1. A methodfor exposing articles in a container to a liquid microbial deactivationprocess and for removing moisture from said container following saidliquid microbial deactivation process, said method comprising steps of:placing said container in a deactivation chamber; fluidly connectingsaid deactivation chamber to a fluid circulation system to circulate aliquid microbial deactivation fluid through said deactivation chamberand through the inside of said container; draining said liquid microbialdeactivation fluid from said deactivation chamber and from the inside ofsaid container; circulating dry air through said container; andimparting ultrasonic vibrations to said container while said dry air iscirculating through said container, wherein said ultrasonic vibrationsare generated by a vibration element disposed in contact with at leastone surface of said container.
 2. The method as defined in claim 1,wherein said vibration element includes at least one piezoelectrictransducer (PET).
 3. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein saidvibration element includes first and second piezoelectric transducers,said first and second piezoelectric transducers in respective contactwith surfaces of said container at opposite sides of said container. 4.The method as defined in claim 1, wherein said vibration elementincludes at least one of the following: a piezoelectric transducer, amagnetic coil actuator, a pneumatically or hydraulically drivenactuator, a magneto-restrictive or capacitive actuator.
 5. The method asdefined in claim 1, further including a step of: heating said dry air toa temperature between 25° C. and 190° C. prior to said step ofcirculating dry air through said container.
 6. A method for removingmoisture from a container following a liquid microbial deactivationprocess, said method comprising steps of: circulating dry air throughsaid container; imparting ultrasonic vibrations to said container whilesaid dry air is circulating through said container; measuring thefrequency of ultrasonic waves produced inside said container using anultrasonic receiver; and determining whether a drying process has beencompleted by measuring the rate of attenuation of said ultrasonic wavesproduced inside said container.
 7. The method as defined in claim 6,further including a step of: determining whether said drying process hasbeen completed by recording wave profiles of said ultrasonic wavesproduced inside said container and comparing each new wave profile to apreviously recorded wave profile.
 8. The method as defined in claim 6,further including a step of: heating said dry air to a temperaturebetween 25° C. and 190° C. prior to said step of circulating dry airthrough said container.
 9. A method for removing moisture from acontainer following a liquid microbial deactivation process, the methodcomprising steps of: activating a first vibration means to impartvibrations having an ultrasonic frequency to said container; detectingthe frequency of ultrasonic waves produced inside said container; anddetermining whether a drying process has been completed by measuring therate of attenuation of the ultrasonic waves produced inside saidcontainer.
 10. The method as defined in claim 9, wherein said firstvibration means includes at least one piezoelectric transducer (PET).11. The method as defined in claim 9, wherein said first vibration meansincludes at least one of the following: a piezoelectric transducer, amagnetic coil actuator, a pneumatically or hydraulically drivenactuator, a magneto-restrictive or capacitive actuator.
 12. The methodas defined in claim 9, further including a step of: determining whethersaid drying process has been completed by recording wave profiles ofsaid ultrasonic waves produced inside said container and comparing eachnew wave profile to a previously recorded wave profile.
 13. The methodas defined in claim 9, further including a step of: circulating dry airthrough said container while said first vibration means impartsvibrations to said container.
 14. The method as defined in claim 13,further including a step of heating said dry air to a temperaturebetween 25° C. and 190° C. prior to said step of circulating dry airthrough said container.